A Parent’s Guide to Taekwondo: What You Need to Know
Taekwondo is a martial art that has been around for over 2,000 years and is enjoyed by people of all ages all over the world. It’s a great way for children to stay active, learn discipline and respect, and develop self-confidence. However, getting started in Taekwondo can be overwhelming, especially for parents who are new to the sport. In this article, we’ll cover the basics of what parents need to know to help their child succeed in Taekwondo.
Choosing a Taekwondo School
The first step in getting started in Taekwondo is choosing a school. There are many martial arts schools to choose from, so it’s important to do your research. Look for a school that has a good reputation, experienced instructors, and a supportive and friendly environment. Read Google reviews and ask for referrals from friends, family, or other parents who have children in Taekwondo.
Most important: visit the school and meet the instructors to make sure it’s the right fit for your child and family. At Akula Taekwondo, we start with a free, no obligation Introductory Lesson. This gives potential students and their parents an opportunity to see our school, meet our Head Instructor, learn a few martial arts moves, and get questions answered.
Uniforms and Equipment
The uniform worn in Taekwondo, called a dobok, is an important part of martial arts culture and promotes a positive and supportive training environment. Wearing a uniform helps kids get into the right mindset for class, as they associate their Taekwondo uniform with martial arts training and become more focused and dedicated to their practice.
Once you’ve chosen a school, your child will need a uniform. We recommend purchasing the uniform after the student earns their White Belt – usually after 5 – 7 classes. Sparring Gear (such as gloves, shin guards, and a mouthguard) is required for students at Orange Belt level and higher.
The Importance of Attendance
Consistent attendance is essential to obtain the benefits of martial arts training. We recommend that students at the White, Yellow, Orange, and Green Belt levels attend classes 2 – 3 times per week. Students at Blue Belt and higher should attend 4 – 6 classes per week.
Missing classes will affect your child’s progress. Conversely, regular attendance will help your child develop a sense of commitment and discipline, which are important values in Taekwondo and are essential characteristics of successful people.
What Parents Can Expect When Their Child Attends a Taekwondo Class
Taekwondo classes are structured, disciplined environments where students are expected to follow the instructions. Classes start with students lining up and bowing to the flags and their instructor. Next, there is a warm-up and stretching session to prepare the students for the physical demands of the sport. Then, students work on techniques such as kicks, strikes, blocks, and self-defense, as well as forms (also known as “patterns” or poomsae), which are pre-arranged sequences of movements that demonstrate the student’s mastery of the techniques they have learned. At the end of class, students play a game. Finally, students line up again and may receive recognition for their progress and achievements, then the class bows again to the flags and instructors.
There’s a lot of bowing in Taekwondo. Students and instructors bow to each other to show mutual respect.
Encouragement and Support
As parents, it’s natural to want to support and guide your child in all aspects of their life, including their martial arts training. However, it’s important to remember that the instructors are the experts in the sport and have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help your child succeed. While it’s great to show interest and support, coaching from the sidelines or after class can confuse children and interfere with the parent-child relationship. Your child’s instructor is best equipped to provide guidance and support during training, so it’s best to allow them to do their job and trust in their expertise. By giving your child the space to learn and grow under the guidance of their instructor, you can help foster their confidence and independence, as well as your own relationship with them.
Benefits of Taekwondo for Children
Taekwondo is a fantastic sport for school-aged kids, as it provides a wide range of physical, mental, and social benefits. Physically, Taekwondo helps kids improve their coordination, balance, flexibility, and overall fitness, while also teaching them self-defense skills. Mentally, Taekwondo promotes focus, concentration, and confidence, as well as helping kids develop a strong sense of discipline and determination.
In Taekwondo classes, kids have the opportunity to socialize and make friends. This can boost their self-esteem and improve interpersonal skills. The values of respect, teamwork, and perseverance are also emphasized in Taekwondo, making it a great way for kids to develop strong character traits that will benefit them in all areas of life.
Additionally, practicing Taekwondo helps kids manage stress and improve their ability to handle difficult situations, as it teaches them how to control their emotions and react calmly in high-pressure situations. Overall, Taekwondo is a great sport for school-aged kids, as it provides a wealth of benefits that will help them grow and succeed in all areas of their life.
Conclusion
Getting started in Taekwondo is a great opportunity for children to stay active, learn valuable life skills, and have fun. By choosing a good school, encouraging regular attendance, and providing support, parents can help their child succeed in Taekwondo. Whether your child is just starting or has been practicing Taekwondo for years, remember to celebrate their achievements and support them in their journey.